Going into the reserves as an officer?

Question

I had a recruiter ask me to come back to the service as reserves.  And I was discussing after finishing my degree, getting a commission.  I talked to someone else about this who was in the reserves already, said that the military had a contract, where if you had so many credit hours, you could go in commissioned and had to have the degree degree by the time you would make O-3.

On my current route in school, I'll actually probably have a masters before I would be able to put on O-3E, so I would be good in that aspect.  Does anyone have any information regarding this program, and how it really works?

Marine · Accepted Answer

Kevin:  Unless the Congress has changed U S Code Title X, the only way that you can be an unrestricted commissioned officer is to have a college degree at commissioning.  Your rank on that date will be second lieutenant.  With the severe reduction in the US Military force structure (manpower) ordered by Congress, expect two years between O-1 to O-2.  Three years or slightly more between O-2 to O-3.  (as you know, the "E" designates an officer with over four years enlisted active duty for pay purposes).  

The Marine Corps and Navy have what are called Limited Duty Officers (LDO).  LDO's come up through the ranks and do not require a college degree because they are "restricted" officers - cannot hold formal command where unrestricted officers can hold command.   For those ready to jump, a Department Head is not a command billet.

My recommendation after having been in your shoes is to NOT go into the Reserves as enlisted - PERIOD.  If you want to get a Marine Corps commission, contact a Marine Corps Officer Selection Officer and apply for the Platoon Leaders Class - you go to OCS during two separate 6 week summers while a full-time college student.  No obligation.  You can withdraw at any time without obligation up to the moment that you take the oath of office after graduation from college.  If Army, the process is different.  You "may" be required to go back through enlisted basic again - depends on how long out of the Army before going to Army OCS.  

The good news is, since you have completed 4 years active duty and have probably attained NCO rank, OCS will not be that difficult to successfully complete "so long as you are to physical conditioning".   OCS is a screening course to ID those who will make good officers and those who will not.  Officer training happens after OCS for both Army and Marine Corps.

Best wishes for your future goal whether it be to re-enter the military or continue in the civilian world.

Lieutenant Colonel, US Marine Corps - Retired (Active duty, GI Bill, PLC, college degree, commissioned - total 27 years).

Going into the reserves as an officer?

1 Answer